Rules of 501

501 is probably the most popular dart game and the one used most often for International dart tournaments. Each year the world champion is decided over a match of 501.

The rules of the game are extremely simple. Each player starts with 501 points and the object is to reach zero. A turn consists of 3 darts and the sum total is then subtracted from your current score. Players alternate turns and the first person to reach zero wins.

So far it sounds pretty easy, right? Well, there is a twist. A player must finish the game on a double. The double ring is the skinny outside right of the dartboard, worth 2x the value of the segment. For instance, a double 20 is worth 40 points. This twist brings an element of mathematical strategy to end game situations.

The most common scoring wedge used is the triple 20 segment. Triples are the smaller skinny right located half way between the bullseye and the double ring. And they are worth 3x the segment value. In this case, a triple 20 is worth 60 points and is the highest value on the board.

Once a players score is decreased sufficiently outshot combinations come into play. 170 is the highest possible sum that can be finished with one turn of 3 darts. There are many outcharts available to help beginning players become familiar with the different combinations. And in the future, I plan to add additional articles focused on solely this subject.